The stage has been set for what will be a repeat of last season's final as cup holders PHC Zebras have been pitted against Dandy Town Hornets in a March 11 FA Cup semi-final at Somerset Cricket Club.

Zebras added to their glorious cup winning tradition when they blanked Hornets 2-0 in the last FA Cup final to become the first club to raise the revered showpiece on ten occasions.

But they can rest assured their city rivals will be keen to avenge that loss and enhance their own chances of capturing three titles this campaign.

Hornets won the Premier Division Dudley Eve last month and remain on course to add League and FA Cup honours to their haul.

Yet inspite of their indifferent league form, Zebras are also within striking distance of bagging three titles this season having captured a fifth Charity Cup earlier in the campaign and advancing last week to an unprecedented 15th Friendship Trophy final where they will come up against landlords Southampton Rangers.

In the previous meeting between the two sides Zebras and Hornets played to a scoreless draw at St. John's Field and PHC manager and former player Cal Waldron anticipates the upcoming FA Cup clash will be just as evenly contested with so much at stake.

"I think Town are definitely a threat given they boast the league's leading goalscorer (Raymond Beach) and other players of good calibre," said Waldron.

During the 1986-87 FA Cup final Hornets edged Zebras 1-0 in a replay to raise the coveted prize for the first time in the Pembroke club's history.

"Technically and tactically Town are a good unit and so we just have to prepare ourselves as best we can and come prepared to play on the day," added Waldron.

The remaining FA Cup semi-final, to be played March 17 at Devonshire Recreation Club, will see four-time champions Boulevard take on Rangers who edged past First Division Somerset Eagles in the previous round.

Rangers president Randy Raynor is confident his club can overcome the next hurdle and dump Blazers out of the competition. "It's do or die and we will be up for the challenge," he declared.

Meanwhile, Somerset Hurricanes will take on Lady Cougars in the first women's FA Cup semi-final at Somerset March 11 while North Village Lady Rams will do battle with Dandy Stars in the remaining semi-final to be held March 17 at the Den.

Devonshire Rec. will also host next Monday's Commercial Division Knockout Cup semi-final double-header that will see Robin Hood lock horns with Key West Rangers (7 p.m.) and Tuff Dogs face off against North Village Rams in the 9 p.m. night cap.